homemade bow locker on sib????

jrzmotorcycle · 17 July 2015, 03:29

Hey guys!!! Just wondering.... Has anyone attempted to make a bow locker out of say wood, or whatever, and installed it in a aluminium floor sib??? I have a 12 ft. Aluminium floor and thought that it would be a great storage place, as well as a place for another person to sit. Then they wouldn't crowd you so much. Sound like a good idea, or not??? Might have to build the locker first, and figure out a way to mount it to the underside of the floor. Any thoughts??? Thanks Joe.

jeffstevens763@g · 17 July 2015, 09:09

hi mate

just on with a similar project i have down sized from a 6m rib to a 3.65 mercury HD sib i am building a console for the chart plotter etc made it out of 6mm exterior plywood been on a web site over here showing how to then coat with glass-fiber and finish with flow-coat i want a textured finish to match the seat so will be using a pan scrubber coated in flow-coat and stipple the surface.you can get a reasonable finish if you take your time as shown in the video.the company is east coast resin supplies i will post pics etc when i get to the glassing stage.another option but was expensive was to build out of HDPE sheeting welded together few companies making boats that way here for fish farms etc.

jyasaki · 17 July 2015, 20:41

Don't know about sitting on it (the ride forward is pretty harsh), but I don't see why you couldn't build a box/locker/whatever.

There is an airspace on either side of the keel where the hardware won't impact anything. Stay inboard of the edges where the bottom fabric pinches the floor with the tube. I'd go with bolts up through the bottom, and reinforce with a bit of aluminum or SS flat bar.

jky

Festinghouse · 17 July 2015, 22:06

this was mine a few years ago, was brilliant for keeping everything together and out of the way, but also transformed the handling for the better by keeping the bow down. one side contained anchor, chain and rope, other side housed 12v battery for electronics as well as flares, tools, fire extinguisher, fog horn, and various other bits

Maximus · 18 July 2015, 08:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Festinghouse

this was mine a few years ago, was brilliant for keeping everything together and out of the way, but also transformed the handling for the better by keeping the bow down. one side contained anchor, chain and rope, other side housed 12v battery for electronics as well as flares, tools, fire extinguisher, fog horn, and various other bits

That looked a tidy Job that Fester

...
Could certainly have done with one in MY old SIB!

kerny · 18 July 2015, 11:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

That looked a tidy Job that Fester

...
Could certainly have done with one in MY old SIB!

Festers used to making bespoke boxes

Festinghouse · 18 July 2015, 13:12

ive got one all ready and lined out for you mr kern!

tony t · 18 July 2015, 15:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Festinghouse

ive got one all ready and lined out for you mr kern!

Don't worry about a coffin for me festa I'm having a Viking Funeral mate

Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

Festinghouse · 18 July 2015, 16:36

is that why you have gone elsewhere for a pre-payment plan? - you dont trust me not to keep domino for myself?!!!

kaman · 18 July 2015, 19:32

I made a bow box couple years back very much inspired by Festinghouse.
Bolted to the floor board using m8 stainless coach bolts.
Made from 12mm marine ply.
Painted it with flow coat paint - which is bomb proof!!
Airflow cushion on top and it doubles as a seat.
Stainless hinges and locks.
Makes use of an other wise unused space and definitely helps to keep the bow down when your out on your lonesome.
Cost me 70 quid all in.
Wouldn't be without it now.

Festinghouse · 18 July 2015, 22:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaman

I made a bow box couple years back very much inspired by Festinghouse.
Bolted to the floor board using m8 stainless coach bolts.
Made from 12mm marine ply.
Painted it with flow coat paint - which is bomb proof!!
Airflow cushion on top and it doubles as a seat.
Stainless hinges and locks.
Makes use of an other wise unused space and definitely helps to keep the bow down when your out on your lonesome.
Cost me 70 quid all in.
Wouldn't be without it now.

certainly looks the part

jrzmotorcycle · 19 July 2015, 04:19

Great reply guys..... Gives me some ideas anyway!!!! I forgot to mention that the very front of the sib is actually wood. Does this matter at all?

Festinghouse · 19 July 2015, 09:32

front floor board? thats pretty normal and means you have something solid to bolt to. on my box i used a hole saw to cut large round holes where the valves are so you can access them through the box rather than having to remove it to put air into the tubes. bolt through from underneath so that the thread of the bolt doesnt damage the hull material.

kaman · 19 July 2015, 09:58

Yep most sibs have a wooden floor board upfront, mine included.
I measured the bow floor and cut a cardboard template to ensure my box would not foul the tubes.
Built a wooden frame.
I never put a floor in mine.
I used adhesive backed rubberised foam.
Stuck this to the bottom edges of the frame / box.
Once clamped onto the floor it forms a really good seal against the floor board.

If im out and its choppy I use my home made spray hood over the bow area.
It keeps everything nice n dry upfront.
That's another project tho

kaman · 19 July 2015, 10:02

Meant to add.
When I made the spray hood I changed the hinges from the side of the bow box to the front.
It now opens front straight forwards.
I have a it the prop to hold the lid up if i need access to its contents when the spray hood is on.
Works a treat.
Happy sibbing.